第13章 默想和祷告
§1
第十三章 默想和祷告
§2
Meditation and Prayer
§3
上帝应当是我们思想的最高目标。要默想祂并向祂恳求，提拔心灵并振奋情操。忽略默想和祷告必定会导致属灵兴趣的衰退。于是就会见到粗心和懒惰。虔诚不仅仅是一种情绪，一种感觉。它是一种原则，交织在所有日常的责任和人生的交易中。无论什么事物，什么业务，若是会有碍于这种原则，就都不愿接受或参加。要保持纯洁没有玷污的虔诚，就必须成为作工的人，坚持不懈地努力。我们自己必须有所作为。没有别人能做我们的工作。只有我们自己能恐惧战兢作成我们得救的工夫。这正是主已留给我们去做的工作。……{GW92 106.1}
§4
God should be the highest object of our thoughts. Meditating upon him, and pleading with him, elevates the soul and quickens the affections. A neglect of meditation and prayer will surely result in a declension in religious interests. Then will be seen carelessness and slothfulness. Religion is not merely an emotion, a feeling. It is a principle that is interwoven with all the daily duties and transactions of life. Nothing will be entertained, no business engaged in, that will prevent the accompaniment of this principle. To retain pure and undefiled religion it is necessary to be workers, persevering in effort. We must do something ourselves. No one else can do our work. None but ourselves can work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This is the very work which the Lord has left for us to do....{GW92 106.1}
§5
坚定恒切地行义，藉着虔诚的操练来训练心思去喜爱灵修和天上的事，会带来最大量的幸福快乐。{GW92 106.2}
§6
Decided perseverance in a course of righteousness, disciplining the mind by religious exercises to love, devotion, and heavenly things, will bring the greatest amount of happiness.{GW92 106.2}
§7
我们若以上帝为自己的倚靠，就足有能力在这些事上控制自己的心意。藉着不住的运用，心意就必会变得坚强，去与内在的仇敌作战并且折服自我，直到有了完全的转变，情欲、食欲和意志都被完全征服。然后无论是居家或出外，都必敬虔度日；而且在我们从事为生灵操劳的工作时，也必有一种能力伴随着我们的努力。谦卑的基督徒必有专诚献身的时节，这种专诚献身并不是时作时歇、断断续续、或出乎迷信的，而是镇静、安宁、深切、恒久，与诚恳的。一旦对上帝有全然的降服，则敬爱上帝，度圣洁生活，就都必成为愉快的事了。……{GW92 106.3}
§8
If we make God our trust, we have it in our power to control the mind in these things. Through continued exercise, it will become strong to battle with internal foes, and to subdue self, until there is a complete transformation, and the passions, appetites, and will are brought into perfect subjection. Then there will be daily piety at home and abroad, and when we engage in labor for souls, a power will attend our efforts. The humble Christian will have seasons of devotion which are not spasmodic, fitful, or superstitious, but calm and tranquil, deep, constant, and earnest. The love of God, the practice of holiness, will be pleasant when there is a perfect surrender to God....{GW92 106.3}
§9
天庭的君王在世传道之时，尚且多多地向祂的天父祷告。祂经常整夜跪在地上祷告。祂的心灵常经忧患，因为祂感觉到这世上黑暗的权势，于是便离开忙乱的城市和嘈杂的人群，去寻找一个退隐之地，好为人代求。耶路撒冷城外的橄榄山是上帝的儿子最喜欢去祈祷的地方。祂往往在群众离祂而去就寝之后，虽然因一天的劳累而感到疲乏却仍不休息。我们在《约翰福音》中读到：“于是各人都回家去了，耶稣却往橄榄山去”（约8:1）。当合城安静、门徒们各自回家安歇之时，耶稣却没有睡觉。祂神圣的恳求从橄榄山上升到祂天父那里，求使祂的门徒脱离世上日日包围着他们的邪恶影响，也求加强祂自己的心灵以便奋起应付翌日的义务与试炼。当门徒在睡觉时，祂们神圣的教师却在整夜祷告。夜间的露珠和寒霜落在祂俯伏祈祷的头上。祂的榜样乃是留下给跟从祂之人的。 {GW92 106.4}
§10
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in his earthly ministry, prayed much to his Father. He was frequently bowed all night in prayer. His spirit was often sorrowful as he felt the powers of the darkness of this world, and he left the busy city and the noisy throng, to seek a retired place to make his intercessions. The Mount of Olives was the favorite resort of the Son of God for his devotions. Frequently after the multitude had left him for the retirement of the night, he rested not, though weary with the labors of the day. In the Gospel of John we read, “And every man went unto his own house. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives.” [John 7:53; 8:1.] While the city was hushed in silence, and the disciples had returned to their homes to obtain refreshment in sleep, Jesus slept not. His divine pleadings were ascending to his Father from the Mount of Olives that his disciples might be kept from the evil influences which they would daily encounter in the world, and that his own soul might be strengthened and braced for the duties and trials of the coming day. All night, while his followers were sleeping, was their divine Teacher praying. The dew and frost of night fell upon his head bowed in prayer. His example is left for his followers. {GW92 106.4}
§11
天庭的君王在从事祂的使命时，常常恳切地祷告。祂并不总是去橄榄山，因为祂的门徒已经知道了祂喜爱的退隐之地，而且常常跟随祂。祂选择寂静的夜晚，那时不会有干扰。耶稣能医治人的疾病，也能让死人复活。祂自己就是福气和力量之源。祂甚至斥责风暴，连狂风骤雨也听从祂的吩咐。祂不沾染腐败，远离罪恶；然而祂却祈祷，而且常常大声流泪祷告。祂为门徒祷告，也为自己祷告，从而认同我们的需要，我们的软弱和我们的失败，这些都是人之常情。祂的恳求有力。祂虽无我们人类的情欲和堕落的性情，却同样被软弱所困，在凡事上受了试探与我们一样。耶稣经受了需要祂天父帮助和支持的痛苦。{GW92 107.1}
§12
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in his mission, was often in earnest prayer. He did not always visit Olivet, for his disciples had learned his favorite retreat, and often followed him. He chose the stillness of night, when there would be no interruption. Jesus could heal the sick and raise the dead. He was himself a source of blessing and strength. He commanded even the tempests, and they obeyed him. He was unsullied with corruption, a stranger to sin; yet he prayed, and that often with strong crying and tears. He prayed for his disciples and for himself, thus identifying himself with our needs, our weaknesses, and our failings, which are so common with humanity. He was a mighty petitioner, not possessing the passions of our human, fallen natures, but compassed with like infirmities, tempted in all points even as we are. Jesus endured agony which required help and support from his Father. {GW92 107.1}
§13
基督是我们的榜样。基督的传道人是否受着撒但的试探与猛烈的攻击？那位无罪的主也曾如此。祂在这些困苦窘迫的时辰转向祂的天父。祂到世上来为要提供一条出路，使我们藉着效法祂时常诚恳祷告的榜样，能获得恩典和力量作在急难中随时的帮助。基督的传道人若愿效法这个模范，就会充满祂的精神，天使也必为他们效力。{GW92 108.1}
§14
Christ is our example. Are the ministers of Christ tempted and fiercely buffeted by Satan? so also was He who knew no sin. He turned to his Father in these hours of distress. He came to earth that he might provide a way whereby we could find grace and strength to help in every time of need, by following his example in frequent, earnest prayer. If the ministers of Christ will imitate this pattern, they will be imbued with his spirit, and angels will minister unto them.{GW92 108.1}
§15
虽有天使服侍耶稣，但他们的同在并未使祂的生活轻松安逸、免受激烈的冲突和猛烈的试探。祂也曾凡事受过试探，与我们一样，只是祂没有犯罪。传道人在从事主已指定他们去做的工作时，若遇到考验、困惑和试探，岂可灰心呢？因为他们知道有一位已经在他们之前经历过这一切了。他们岂该因为没有从自己的劳碌中看到一切所希望的，便抛弃自己的信心吗？基督曾为祂本国的人恳切作工；祂的努力却被祂来要拯救的人所轻视。祂来是要赐人生命，他们却将祂置于死地。{GW92 108.2}
§16
Angels ministered to Jesus, yet their presence did not make his life one of ease and freedom from severe conflict and fierce temptations. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. If ministers, while engaged in the work which the Master has appointed them to do, have trials and perplexities and temptations, should they be discouraged, when they know that there is One who has endured all these before them? Should they cast away their confidence because they do not realize all that they expect from their labors? Christ labored earnestly for his own nation; but his efforts were despised by the very ones he came to save, and they put to death Him who came to give them life.{GW92 108.2}
§17
传道人的数量充足，但极其缺乏作工的人。与上帝同工的人会意识到这工作的神圣性，和必须面对以便成功推进工作的剧烈冲突。工人不会因为考虑到工作而灰心失望，尽管工作可能非常艰难。保罗在《罗马书》中说：“我们既因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督得与上帝相和。我们又藉着祂，因信得进入现在所站的这恩典中，并且欢欢喜喜盼望上帝的荣耀。不但如此，就是在患难中也是欢欢喜喜地。因为知道患难生忍耐，忍耐生老练，老练生盼望，盼望不至于羞耻，因为所赐给我们的圣灵将上帝的爱浇灌在我们心里”（罗5:1-5）。所积蓄的一切智慧知识，都在祂里面藏着。我们若没能利用那为我们所做、好使我们一无所缺的丰富供应，就无可推诿。在困难面前退缩，在忧患之下抱怨，会使上帝的仆人在负责任挑担子时软弱无能。 {GW92 108.3}
§18
There is a sufficient number of ministers, but a great lack of laborers. Laborers, co-workers with God, have a sense of the sacredness of the work, and of the severe conflicts they must meet in order to carry it forward successfully. Laborers will not faint and despond in view of the labor, arduous though it may be. In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul says: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” [Romans 5:1-5.] In him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We are without excuse if we fail to avail ourselves of the ample provisions made for us that we might be wanting in nothing. Shrinking from hardships, complaining under tribulation, makes the servants of God weak and inefficient in bearing responsibilities and burdens. {GW92 108.3}
§19
所有坚定地站在战场最前线的人都必感受到撒但特别针对他们的战争。他们意识到他的攻击时，便会逃向保障。他们感到需要来自上帝的特别力量，他们靠着祂的力量作工；所以他们得到的胜利不会高举他们，而会使他们凭着信心更安心地依赖那大能者。他们心中唤起了对上帝的深切热烈地感激之情，并且在经历仇敌逼迫的患难中喜乐。这些甘心乐意的仆人正在获得一种经验，形成一种品格，会尊荣上帝的圣工。{GW92 109.1}
§20
All who stand unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle must feel the special warfare of Satan against them. As they realize his attacks, they will flee to the Stronghold. They feel their need of special strength from God, and they labor in his strength; therefore the victories they gain do not exalt them, but lead them in faith to lean more securely upon the Mighty One. Deep and fervent gratitude to God is awakened in their hearts, and they are joyful in the tribulation which they experience while pressed by the enemy. These willing servants are gaining an experience and forming a character which will do honor to the cause of God.{GW92 109.1}
§21
对于上帝的仆人来说，现在是一个具有严肃权利和神圣委托的时期。如果这些委托得到了忠心保守，忠心的仆人在主人要说：“把你所经管的交代明白”（路16:2）时，就会大得奖赏。他们恳切的劳苦、无私的服务、耐心恒切的努力，都要得到丰厚的奖赏；耶稣要对他们说：“从今以后，我不再称你们为仆人，而称你们为朋友，为客人。”主给人嘉许不是因为人行了伟大的事，也不是因为人有许多的成就，而是因为人在不多的事上有忠心。上帝所看重的，不是我们获得的伟大结果，而是我们行事的动机。祂重视良善和忠心，而非成就之工的伟大。{GW92 109.2}
§22
The present is a season of solemn privilege and sacred trust to the servants of God. If these trusts are faithfully kept, great will be the reward of the faithful servant when the Master shall say, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” The earnest toil, the unselfish work, the patient, persevering effort, will be rewarded abundantly; Jesus will say, “Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends, guests.” The approval of the Master is not given because of the greatness of the work performed, because many things have been gained, but because of the fidelity in even a few things. It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and faithfulness more than the greatness of the work accomplished.{GW92 109.2}
§23
我蒙指示看到许多人处在最大的危险中，就是未能敬畏上帝，得以成圣。传道人有危险丧失自己的灵魂。有些向别人讲道的人自己会被弃绝，因为他们没有完善基督徒的品格。他们在作工时没有拯救灵魂，甚至没能拯救自己的灵魂。他们不看自知之明和自制的重要性。他们也不警醒祈祷，免得入了迷惑。他们若愿意警醒，就会熟悉自己的弱点，就是他们最易受试探攻击之处。藉着警醒祈祷，他们最弱的地方可以得到保护，以致成为他们最强的地方，他们也能对抗试探而不被试探所胜。每一个跟从基督的人会天天自省，以便完全熟悉自己的行为。几乎人人都忽略了自省。一个自称是上帝代言人，居于从上帝领受圣言以传给祂子民之可怕负责岗位的人，忽略自省是绝对危险的。这样一个人的日常行为对他人是有极大影响的。他若在工作上有任何成功，就把悔改的人带到他自己低下的标准，简直不能再使他们提高了。他们传道人的作风、言语、姿势和态度，信心和虔诚，都被认为是那些守安息日的复临信徒的一个榜样；而且他们若是效法教导他们真理之人的样式，就认为自己在尽全责了。{GW92 109.3}
§24
I have been shown that many are in the greatest danger of failing to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. Ministers are in danger of losing their own souls. Some who have preached to others will themselves be cast away, because they have not perfected a Christian character. In their labor they do not save souls, and fail even to save their own. They do not see the importance of self-knowledge and self-control. They do not watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation. If they would watch, they would become acquainted with their weak points, where they are most likely to be assailed by temptation. With watchfulness and prayer, their weakest points can be so guarded as to become their strongest points, and they can encounter temptation without being overcome. Every follower of Christ should daily examine himself, that he may become perfectly acquainted with his own conduct. There is with nearly all a neglect of self-examination. This neglect is positively dangerous in one who professes to be a mouth-piece for God, occupying the fearful, responsible position of receiving the words from God to give to his people. The daily conduct of such a person has great influence upon others. If he has any success in labor, he brings his converts to his own low standard, and it is seldom that they rise higher. Their minister’s ways, his words, his gestures and manners, his faith, and his piety are considered a sample of those of all Sabbath-keeping Adventists; and if they pattern after him who has taught them the truth, they think they are doing all their duty. {GW92 109.3}
§25
传道人的行为有许多可改进之处。许多人看到并感受到了他们的缺乏，但他们似乎对自己所发挥的影响茫然无知。他们做的时候知道自己的行为，却容许自己忘记这些行为，所以就不改革了。传道人若是愿意使每天的行为成为认真思考和慎重回顾的对象，目的在于熟悉自己的生活习惯，就会更有自知之明。他们藉着仔细审查自己每天在一切境遇下的生活，就会了解自己的动机，知道促使这些动机的原则。凡希望达到基督徒品格完美境地的人，必须每天省察自己的行为，看看良心是认可还是谴责。许多行为看来是好事，甚至是慈善之举，但若加以仔细审查，就会发现是出于不良的动机。许多人为他们所没有的美德而被人称赞。鉴察人心的主衡量人的动机。往往许多大受人赞扬的行为，却被祂记录为出于私心和卑鄙的伪善。我们生活中的一举一动，不论是良好的和值得称赞的，还是该受指责的，都要被鉴察人心的主按照其动机来判断。 {GW92 110.1}
§26
There is much in the conduct of a minister that he can improve. Many see and feel their lack, yet they seem to be ignorant of the influence they exert. They are conscious of their actions as they perform them, but suffer them to pass from their memory, and therefore do not reform. If ministers would make the actions of each day a subject of careful thought and deliberate review, with the object to become acquainted with their own habits of life, they would better know themselves. By a close scrutiny of their daily life under all circumstances, they would know their own motives, the principles which actuate them. This daily review of our acts, to see whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who wish to arrive at the perfection of Christian character. Many acts which pass for good works, even deeds of benevolence, will, when closely investigated, be found to be prompted by wrong motives. Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts inspects motives, and often the deeds which are highly applauded by men are recorded by him as springing from selfish motives and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it. {GW92 110.1}
§27
甚至有些提倡上帝律法的传道人都没有什么自知之明。他们不默想，也不省察自己的动机。他们不看自己的错误和罪恶，因为他们没有真诚恳切地检查自己的生活、行为和品格，既个别检查也总体检查，并将它们与上帝圣洁的律法相对照。他们没有真正明白上帝律法的要求，而且他们每天的生活都在违背他们所自称敬畏之律法的精神。保罗说：“律法本是叫人知罪”（罗3:20）。“只是非因律法，我就不知何为罪。非律法说，‘不可起贪心’，我就不知何为贪心”（罗7:7）。有些劳苦传道教导人的人，对上帝的律法及其圣洁的要求，或者说对基督的赎罪没有实际上的了解。他们自己先需要悔改，才能使罪人悔改。{GW92 111.1}
§28
Even some ministers who are advocating the law of God have but little knowledge of themselves. They do not meditate, and investigate their motives. They do not see their errors and sins, because they do not, in sincerity and earnestness, take a view of their life, their acts, and their character, separate and as a whole, and compare them with the sacred, holy law of God. The claims of God’s law are not really understood by them, and they are daily living in transgression of the spirit of that law which they profess to revere. “By the law,” Paul says, “is the knowledge of sin.” “I had not known sin, but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” [Romans 3:20; 7:7.] Some who labor in word and doctrine have not a practical understanding of the law of God and its holy claims, or of the atonement of Christ. They themselves need to be converted before they can convert sinners.{GW92 111.1}
§29
那能如实照出品格缺陷的镜子被人忽视了，因此，缺陷和罪恶依然存在，而且即使那些有过错的人自己不知，对别人来说也是显而易见的。自私自利的可恨罪恶存在到了极大的程度，甚至在一些自称献身上帝圣工的人中间，也是如此。如果他们愿意将自己的品格与上帝的要求，尤其是与那伟大的标准，就是祂圣洁、公义、良善的律法相比较，如果他们恳切诚实地省察自己，就会确定自己非常地缺欠。但是有些人不愿意看得足够远或足够深，以便看到自己内心的堕落。他们在许多方面都有缺乏；可是他们仍愿意对自己的罪过一无所知，而且下定决心要照顾自己的利益，以致上帝不照顾他们了。有些人并非生来就是虔诚的，所以应该鼓励和培养一种严格省察自己的生活和动机的习惯，且应特别重视喜爱宗教活动和私下的祷告。—2T.505-512. {GW92 111.2}
§30
The faithful mirror which would reveal the defects in the character is neglected; therefore deformity and sin exist, and are apparent to others, if not understood by those who are in fault. The hateful sin of selfishness exists to a great degree, even in some who profess to be devoted to the work of God. If they would compare their character with his requirements, especially with the great standard, his holy, just, and good law, they would ascertain, if earnest, honest searchers, that they are fearfully wanting. But some are not willing to look far enough or deep enough to see the depravity of their own hearts. They are wanting in very many respects; yet they remain in willing ignorance of their guilt, and are so intent upon caring for their own interests that God has no care for them. Some are not naturally devotional, and therefore should encourage and cultivate a habit of close examination of their own lives and motives, and should especially cherish a love for religious exercises and for secret prayer.—Testimonies for the Church 2:505. {GW92 111.2}